Arthur's Story.
Born on 18 October 1896 at Macclesfield, baptised 22 November, at St Peter’s, son of Henry and Sarah Westwood, 87/89 James Street, Macclesfield. Sarah died in 1899, and Henry married Selina Coxon in 1900, they lived 30, King Edward Street, Macclesfield. His siblings were Sarah Jane, and Gerald Brandreth. Arthur was educated at St George’s School, Macclesfield, before gaining a free studentship as an apprentice pattern maker at the Macclesfield Technical School (Admission Register & Logbook 1913-14). Prior to enlistment Arthur was employed as a motor engineer.
Arthur attested into the Royal Flying Corps on 13 February 1915, given a rank of 2 Air mechanic, he had a steady rate of promotion, 1/ AM by 1st January 1916, Corporal by 1 March 1916 and Sergeant on 1 May 1917, this led to Flight Sergeant on the 1 July 1917 and on the 1 April 1918, he was Chief Mechanic (RAF Muster Roll). Arthur embarked for France on the 29 January 1916. He died in a casualty clearing station in France as the result of a flying accident, Thursday, 11 April 1918; he was 21 years of age.
Researched by H.A.G. Carlisle